Monday, June 25, 2012

Oh my word I cannot believe that it has been so long since I've actually made a futile attempt at blogging. There is so much to write about!

Well, for starters, this past weekend was amazing. I tried to see as many people as I could for the few short days I was home and I was pretty successful in my attempts I'd say. I had planned on going out to my friends farm and helping with chores, but I ended up helping her get ready for a very special day instead. Total fulfillment. It was so wonderful to be laid out across the bed while she tried on outfit after outfit, asking me my opinion on each one. It was EXACTLY like it was when we were "kids." I am so thankful to say that despite not seeing each other for YEARS after college had taken us down different paths, every time we get together feels like we see each other every day. I love you hun...

Then I went and picked up my dearest friend and got to love on her belly a bit. Yep! Second tri-mester and just now starting to show. That little peanut. We got to cruise around town and just vent to each other over our jobs and little insignificant things that the other person magically just gets. It was wonderful.

AND...my sister came home! It just so happened that we had the EXACT same days off and so she drove up from KC. Only to have to turn around from getting called into work, but every moment spent together is precious and even though we didn't get to do as much serious "girl talk" as we wanted, she still is family and it was wonderful having all of us sitting around the fire drinking beers.

Then it was over to grandpa's house Saturday night for Lawrence Welk and popcorn after a long day of shopping at Menards for stuff for my parents kitchen make-over. I can't wait til the Hubs and I have a home of our own and we can have things just the way we like.

Sunday we stopped at a friends kiddos 1st birthday party.

All in all, it just felt amazing to be home and it makes the concept of being closer still, not so terrible.

As I mentioned before I have been trying out some new craft ideas and recipes. However, I am sad to report that my camera has officially gone to camera heaven and therefore, I won't be able to post any more pictures til I get a new one. *sigh*

Here is one of them though, its...

Crock Pot Pumpkin Bread

Here's what you need...

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup of packed brown sugar

2 eggs (beaten)

1 can of pumpkin

1 1/2 cups of sifted flower

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp of baking soda

You can find the instructions for said recipe here . And the reason I say to follow this recipe is because... I did something horrible and ended up breaking my crock pot and had to improvise. But it still turned out delicious! Thank you cousin Ruthie for the recipe made in the oven!

mmm...anything pumpkin

OH! I almost forgot to mention! We FINALLY made it to Farmer's Market (I just wanted to throw that in quick) My home town has a farmer's market every friday and we missed it last summer so it was a MUST while we were home. I am glad we made it, kolaches and zuccinni bread!

And here I will give you a sneak peek of the dresser the hubs got me for mothers day...

Just imagine the final product being very springy and beautiful and of couse, a wee bit antiquey. I will post pictures of the finished dresser as soon as I get them loaded.

And finally...

Skinny Chicken Enchiladas

Sorry I am so terrible at remembering ALL the things you need for the recipe. But to make it easier I'll add the link here. I hope you like it! There is just one thing I will change next time and I think that will be to use less cream of chicken and more pepper jack. It was just a little too bland for me.

Well friends, we hauled a bunch of stuff back from mom and dads and so I need to organize today but before I leave I just wanted to tell you about a couple sweet Goodwill finds I have purchased lately...

- the dresser (my most FAVORITE piece of furniture we own) $14

- some orange vintage glass tumblers that we use for bedside glasses .59/each

- a upholstery sample that I now use as a table runner .69

- a lamp base (originally from Target and stinking expensive) $2.29

- a beautiful champagne colored dress for a hospital function we have this week $8.00

- two summer dresses, one from Target and one from Gap $8.00/each

At this rate, I am glad I don't carry cash while I am out running errands because Garage Sale season is in full swing here and I must stop myself before the house starts to feel too cluttered!

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Hello dear friends and readers! I cannot believe it has been well over a month since last I blogged! I blame it entirely on a very packed life schedule. And here are some very brief updates so ya'll don't think I fell off the face of the earth!

- I have LOTS of pictures to submit of some crafts and delicious recipes that I have been trying the past month.
- Work has been extremely time consuming
- I have almost forgotten what my husband looks like as he has his STEP 2 coming up on Tuesday
- We have found a pretty awesome property we REALLY want to buy if we get residency here
- I have about a million things to share with you, my friends...BUT the biggest news of all...

WE HAVE A NEW NIECE!!!!!!! Saelah was born last night and she is PERFECT!

Next month I will have way fewer hours. I can't wait to post all the pictures I have taken, share my new recipes, and catch up on all my blogging friends.

I hope you are all doing great and that the Lord is blessing you RICHLY!

The Midwest Wife...

My husband and I have been together since freshman year of college. I can't believe its been almost 7 years since I fell in love with my best friend. Now we're married and starting out on our next adventure!